The wk-batter KL Rahul has opened up the criticism and challenges he facing in playing different roles that were asked of him across all formats.
Batting at different positions has different roles and responsibilities. Every Player will stick to a particular role, Players tend to ask for a fixed batting position to train accordingly in different scenarios to achieve success.
KL Rahul has batted at different positions, ranging from an opener to number seven and kept the wickets across formats. His role changes after almost every match. Despite that, he always finds himself facing criticism from the fans and cricket pundits.
After guiding India to a semi-final victory over Australia with a crucial cameo, Rahul expressed his frustrations of having to consistently prove his detractors wrong while adjusting to multiple roles.
Speaking on his challenges, KL Rahul said, “Whenever I perform well in a series and then take a break from the ODI circuit, I always face questions upon my return after 4-5 months. People wonder if I’ll even make the playing XI or where I’ll fit into the team.”
“It makes me think at times, ‘What more can I do?’ But no matter where I’ve been asked to play, I’ve always given my best, and I believe I’ve executed my role to the best of my ability,” said KL Rahul.
Meanwhile, former England captain Nasser Hussain, Rahul open up on the challenge of having to prove himself over and over again.
“I don’t mind proving myself all the time. That’s how any sport is – to always perform in every tournament. That’s the case with international cricketers anywhere in the world. But that’s not the hard part – it’s the people who make the decisions who seem to forget what the player has done in the recent tournament. It has been the challenge for me,” he said.
The 22 year old felt that he will recieve same comments when he returns to the ODI team in August when India will Play three matches in Bangladesh.
“The next ODI tournament might be after five months because it’s going to be a long English Test summer and you see people writing and commenting ‘we need to look for players who can play the 2027 World Cup or the World Cup after that.’ But it’s not just a challenge for me but every cricketer goes through it. I got a bit emotional during the press conference (after the Champions Trophy semifinal) and said that,” KL Rahul further added.
